An Atlanta barbershop owner claims he lost business after the Trump campaign held a political event in his shop.
Javier “Rocky” Jones, owner of Rocky’s Barbershop in Buckhead, claims he was lied to about the nature of the event in his shop.
Jones told 11Alive News he was “bamboozled” after the Trump campaign held a political event in his shop the day before the presidential debate.
Jones said he thought the event was a gathering for Black small business owners.
Trump’s former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson (far right) attended the event, and Trump spoke to the attendees in a phone call.
Jones claimed he was betrayed and lost business as a result of the meeting.
“The fact is I WAS LIED TO – by a person I trusted,” Jones told 11 Alive.
However, the Trump campaign tweeted a contract signed by Jones that made it clear the event was political.
The contract included Trump’s name and the amount paid to Jones ($4,800) to rent his shop for the event. The contract also mentioned the Secret Service would be on the premises.
The business owner signed an agreement with the Trump campaign and received payment for the time spent in his location for this event.
See the contract below: https://t.co/GntRdc38rb pic.twitter.com/cmcZmu1UFH
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 30, 2024
Jones claims he didn’t read the contract entirely before he signed it and accepted the $4,800 check.
“I’m not a political guy… but after this experience, I know that this next election is crucial. Please vote. Stay aware. Get the facts. Sometimes, it be your own people,” Jones continued. “I take full ownership for not reading the contract before I signed. Hopefully, by sharing my truth, I can make sure that other Black business owners don’t get bamboozled or fall into a political trap.”
